Often times the German Shepherd is a very healthy breed that is capable of living an average of 12 to 16 years. For those with a well-behaved German Shepherd, they are unlikely to have major health problems. However, all German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions. This includes Canine Hip Dysphasia or CHD in which the skeleton has a developmental problem and the femur does not seat properly within the hip socket. Another condition is Von Willebrand’s disease, which is a blood disease that affects the ability of the dog’s blood to form clots. Without proper care and regular baths, a German Shepherd can also develop skin allergies.
An important part of your German Shepherd’s health care is a balanced diet. You need to give them fresh food so that they have a long and happy life. Fresh meats like turkey, chicken, and beef are fine. Although it is also advisable to mix some vegetables, rice and eggs for a balanced diet.
By feeding him a good and healthy diet, brushing his teeth as often as possible, grooming himself regularly, and giving him plenty of exercise and care, you can ensure that you keep your German Shepherd in excellent health. To catch any common German Shepherd health conditions before they become serious, it’s a good idea to take a weekly home health exam. This can also help you easily spot any changes that may occur due to a dog-related injury, illness, or emergencies, as you will be aware of your dog’s body.
Taking your dog to the vet on a regular basis is the best way to care for your German Shepherd. All immunizations must be up-to-date and a regular health and physical exam should be performed. It is best to choose a veterinarian who is familiar with the specific health problems of a German Shepherd and can treat any breed-specific inherited diseases.
Maintaining good German Shepherd health is highly dependent on diet. An adult German Shepherd can eat at least forty pounds of dry food per month, although this amount may change for a dog with a higher metabolism or a dog with a higher level of activity. For example, a younger dog that is more active will require more fuel in the form of food than an older or more inactive dog.
Most owners choose to feed a high-quality commercial food and then supplement it two to three times a week with a little meat. Again, the amount of food you feed depends on the activity level of the dog, but most will have two cups of food a day and you should remove any missed portions after thirty minutes.
You want a food that is high in protein, so you should focus on lamb, fish, or chicken rather than wheat, rice, or corn. Meat-based foods will benefit your German Shepherd in the long run, even if they are more expensive. It’s also best to avoid feeding your dog anything that has additives in it, if possible.